Commonly known as moth orchids, species in the genus Phalaenopsis are ideal for beginners, as they can withstand multiple pot changes, bloom continuously year-round, and are easy to propagate through keikis. These orchids like diffused light conditions but are otherwise very easy to grow. There are about 75 recognized species in the genus and dozens of cultivars available.
Source: onlyplants
The orchid group includes several hundred different genera and thousands of species, but most people are familiar with orchids through the genus Phalaenopsis, which are especially good for beginners. These are thick-leaved plants with elegant, arched blooms — orchids that have appeared in numerous design magazines on coffee tables across the United States.
Phalaenopsis is a plant worth enjoying. They are not demanding, and under the right conditions, they will bloom profusely for many months.
Phalaenopsis is hardy growing in zones 10 to 12, can be grown outdoors in warm, humid but not humid conditions, in a shady but bright place (no direct sunlight). Typically, these plants are grown as houseplants, where successful growth means finding the right balance between humidity, temperature, light and airflow. Their perennial flowers are held on successively open and curved branches. A single multi-branched spike can have more than 20 flowers, and individual flowers can last for weeks.
The flower stalk grows from the joint or axils of the leaves, often has many flower buds, can bloom for a month or more with proper care.
Light
Good light is required for phalaenopsis but they can be absolutely out of direct sunlight, or the leaves will be scorched. The exception is in winter, when you can place orchids in a south-facing window; it may encounter some direct light in those conditions.
Indirect light is best. Place the plant in an East or South facing window and rotate it occasionally to keep growth even. In addition, they will grow well under normal grow lights placed at a distance from the plant.
Plants with the right light will have light green leaves. Too little light will cause the leaves to be dark green, and too much light will cause pink or reddish hues to develop along the edges and the leaves to turn yellow-green.
Soil
Under native conditions, moth orchids grow on trees as an epiphyte — a plant that requires a host scheme. Instead of regular soil, they need potting material that mimics the host tree or comes from a tree, such as ground fir bark, redwood bark shavings, or Monterey pine bark shavings. Most potting agents work. Also, be sure to have some perlite, sphagnum moss, charcoal or shredded coconut mixed in to help with water retention. You can also purchase a commercial media mix made specifically for orchids.
Regardless of which potting medium you use, make sure there is plenty of air circulation for the root system. Epiphytes are used to wind and wind and would not thrive without it.
Drinking water
Phalaenopsis is a monoecious orchid, which means it grows from a single stem. It does not have the large water-storing pseudobulbs found on the sympathomimium, although its leaves can store a large amount of water. Therefore, this plant is less drought tolerant.
During the growing season, water the plant weekly or whenever its exposed roots turn silvery white (about once a week). Once the roots have been watered, they will turn from silver to light green.
Pour warm water over the plant, bark, and aerial roots three or four times for about 10 minutes, giving the orchid plenty of time to absorb the water. Make sure all the water has drained out before you put the orchid back. Never allow standing water around the trunk. This will cause the new leaves to rot and the plant will die.
Water in the morning and try to keep the medium slightly moist. During the flowering season, you can cut back the water every other week.
Temperature and humidity
Phalaenopsis is considered a warm houseplant. During active growth, they prefer temperatures between about 75 and 85 degrees F., but they can adapt to a normal home temperature of 65 to 70 degrees. The higher the temperature, the greater the plant’s need for moisture.